AP2HYC Reviews: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

It goes without saying, but we here at A Place To Hang Your Cape love a good superhero film. We love to discuss, to dissect, to dive deep into the superhero Zeitgeist and have at whatever cape-laden blockbuster comes our way. The dust is slowly starting to settle on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the record-breaking, money-making, critic-hating second chapter in the DC Extended Universe.

We may have given the film a cautious thumbs-up in our in-depth review, but what did the rest of us make of the film? We asked our writers to give their thoughts on one of the most divisive superhero films of recent years. The results are mixed, to say the least!

“Having yet to see a Zack Snyder film that impresses, Batman v Superman definitely had something to prove. Unfortunately, as has happened previously, the film focuses on style and glossed over substance. Whilst the writing was well done it appeared to come secondary to pretty FX which made the film feel convoluted yet underdeveloped. That said, the film is still an enjoyable watch.” – Stuie Greenfield, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman could’ve been much better. Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot were great. I was trying to give Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor a chance, but he didn’t do it for me. The film also suffered from the same problem as Age of Ultron – it revealed too much through the trailers. There were very few surprises when the film actually came around.” – Alex Reale, Junior Sidekick.

“An uncompromising take on the Dark Knight and the DCEU cannon. Dark, brutal and socio/political, Batman v Superman sets out its stall for what’s to come beautifully. Although narratively light at times with some questionable dialogue, the film is action packed and a must for all comic book fans. I loved it.” – Jake Barber, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has to be one the most excruciatingly painful cinematic experiences of recent years. Though all of the actors do well in their prospective roles and try their best with what they are given, the film is guilty of some of the worst editing and storytelling ever witnessed. It is a film made by a 13-year-old who is more concerned with what they think will look ‘cool’, rather than wanting to tell a gripping, coherent story. Zack Snyder fundamentally does not understand what makes these characters great and is absolutely the worst person to be behind the wheel of the DCEU. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Just-sh*t.” – Jon Fuge, Contributor.

“Dawn Of Justice is almost everything we wanted from it. Affleck proved he could be the Batman and Gal Gadot showed what a real Wonder Woman can do, but Luthor was more of a Joker with big bucks. It has however, set the scene for future instalments of the DCEU brilliantly.” – Mark Carey, Contributor.

“A handful of great moments overshadowed by a scatterbrained plot and questionable character choices. There is still a lot to like here however, and Batman v Superman ultimately does its job – I’m excited for the Justice League movie, even if this particular film suffers for it.” – Alex Wyse, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman is an extraordinary and inspired Batman feature that unfortunately has an underdeveloped Superman story all over it. While it is a treat for fans to see DC’s biggest heroes together for the first time, the story focuses far more on Jesse Eisenberg‘s likeable Lex Luthor. Either way, this is DC’s step in the right direction with their cinematic universe and Ben Affleck has certainly earned the mantle of the Bat for, what is hopefully, many years to come.” – Matthew Danko, Contributor.

“This ambitious, swinging-for-the-fences storytelling can be clunky but is so admirable too. The film hits a sweet spot for comic fans and shows these characters off in grand fashion. The epic battles intertwined with a few emotional beats makes this a must see for superhero fans.” – James Leggett, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman is a great Batman film, an awful Superman film, and a decent Wonder Woman teaser. I loved every moment Batfleck was on screen, but overall it felt disjointed and ill-paced. Still, as someone who has yearned to see the epic fight from the end of The Dark Knight Returns in live-action ever since I was 12, I’m satisfied.” – David Molofsky, Editor-in-Cape

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is 2 1/2 hours worth of scenes that simply felt glued together and ultimately provided no substantial reason for the two protagonists to fight. Ben Affleck‘s Batman was by far the most enjoyable character to watch while Henry Cavill‘s Superman starred in many forgettable scenes and Amy Adam‘s Lois Lane provided nothing more than a damsel who repeatedly and annoyingly needed saving. Throw in the fact that Jesse Eisenberg‘s Lex Luthor poorly represented the iconic villain and the appearance of Gal Gadot‘s Wonder Woman along with the other meta humans was highly unnecessary and oddly placed and you have a movie that tried too hard to deliver too much and resulted in a jumbled mess.” – Jesse Acevedo, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman is the 153 minute equivalent of that scene in The Shining with the lift, only instead of blood pouring out, it’s shit.” – Rob Wallis, Former Sidekick.

“Batman v Superman is a club and your eyes are baby seals.” – Rob Daniel, Guest Contributor (Listen to Robs Daniel and Wallis give their full review on The Electric Shadows Podcast)

“A film that comic book lovers will enjoy but perhaps will be wasted on those unfamiliar with the characters. Slow to start but great once it gets going.” – Ryan John, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman was certainly unique in its interpretation of the shared universe concept through incorporating Batman within a Man of Steel sequel, which managed to create a more tormented character than previously seen onscreen through his hinted past experiences and encounters with Superman. The film continues to show that Superman can be written as an interesting character as well as developing a more insane version of Lex Luther for a modern audience. What I loved the most was the magnificent showdown between the two titans and the development of the Justice League through clever plot-developments, establishing that DC’s “Extended Universe” is in safe hands.” – John Hussey, Contributor.

“Batman v Superman is a flawed but intelligent look into the comic lore of the DC Universe that had me geeking out from beginning to end with joy. The cast and Chris Terrio‘s dialogue brings these characters new life. I cannot wait for the director’s cut as I feel it will only make this movie better and I already loved it.” – Eric Dodds, Contributor.

“The film was exactly what I expected, predictable, off pace at times, and entertaining. I am not saying it was the best, but it was definitely NOT the worst. After viewing Batman v Superman you can look back and find great parts you really enjoyed.” – Gregory Lastra, Contributor.

Batman v Superman made me physically nauseous. From the poorly choreographed action to the awkward character motivations it took way to long to get nowhere at all, and frankly felt like a total drag to watch. I was more depressed at this that some sort of historical drama where there is real weight built into the characters actions. Just a huge sigh as I hope Suicide Squad somehow manages to build up actual good emotions towards the DCEU.” – Scott Swartz – Senior Writer.

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a loud, brooding comic book movie held together by the performances of its stars. At its best it’s a visual spectacle bringing together two of the most iconic characters of all time, at its worst it’s a film lost under the commotion of an unbalanced script.” – Josh Sammons, Contributor.

There you have it folks, the Capers of A Place To Hang Your Cape have spoken! Batman v Superman‘s fractured narrative appears to be as loved as it is hated by our team, but Ben Affleck and Gal Godat not only get off scot-free but are two of the film’s definite highlights. Ultimately, time will be Batman v Superman‘s greatest critic. This film may age like a fine wine and end up being something of a cult classic, or it may become lost in its own whirlwind of gargantuan CGI.

Up next is Captain America: Civil War, so stay tuned!

Now you know what the majority thinks of Batman v Superman, but do you agree with any of the above? Let us know in the comments section or send us a Tweet!

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